JOHNNIE W. GATSCHUFF

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JOHNNIE W. GATSCHUFF Peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, December 14, 2004 Johnnie Gatschuff passed away at the age of 71. Johnnie is survived by his wife Ann of 29 years; his stepchildren, Cathe Umlah and James Umlah; his three children, John (Donna), Rick (Karen) and Sandi (Tom) Cross; and his grandchildren, Delaney, Amanda, Jarrett, Justin, Allen, Cassandra, Curtis, Samantha, Brianna, Kendra, Alexandra, Mitchell and William. Johnnie is also survived by his sister Anna Marie (Paul) Weitzel. He was predeceased by his parents, Anna Birg and John W. Gatschuff. Johnnie was born in 1933 in Winnipeg, and was raised in the north end on Inkster Blvd. He graduated from St. John's High School in 1950 and attended the Faculty of Engineering (mechanical) at the University of Manitoba in the 1950s. In his youth, Johnnie was a dedicated and passionate Eagle Scout, and became a committed leader and Scout Master. His love for the outdoors continued throughout his life as he enjoyed building and visiting the family cottage at Jessica Lake in the Whiteshell for many summers. In 1964 Johnnie took over the family business and became President of Canadian Tool and Die, where he had been working since 1956. Under his skilled business savvy and dedication, the business, which was started by his father in a basement on Main Street, eventually grew to their own building on Fleet Avenue, and then to their current location on Chevrier Boulevard to what is now a multi-million dollar manufacturing operation. CTD proudly celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1997. Johnnie's other business acquisitions and developments included Integra Castings in Winkler, MB in 1990, RVI Equipment in 1991, Power Pin in 1992 and the building of a second foundry in Cando, ND, Integra Castings USA in 1995. His work was his life and had meaning and satisfaction for Johnnie far beyond its worth. He had a fierce loyalty to his employees. His business acumen, candour and decency enabled him to be much loved and respected in his business community. It was with great pride and satisfaction that he turned his company over to his stepson, James Umlah in the last few months. In February of 1975, Johnnie married his beloved Ann. He was a protective and generous husband. Ann was truly the love of his life. They enjoyed many winters together in Maui and shared these holidays with friends and family. Johnnie treasured these trips and described them as the happiest times in his life. Johnnie and Ann have shared many happy moments with friends and family over the years, especially with their 13 grandchildren. Johnnie was notorious for his CTD poolside barbecues and his Rock Around the Clock dance number with Ann at the annual Christmas party. He continued his father's tradition of Namestagg on Boxing Day for many years, in recognition of his German heritage. These events were just a few of the many ways Johnnie showed his appreciation and respect for his hardworking employees and their families over the years. Johnnie's unique personality and flare for business made him a noteworthy presence in Fort Garry and Winnipeg. He was a voracious reader and a highly intelligent man who was knowledgeable about a great many subjects. He had a quiet generosity that many can attest to, and a zest and passion for life that few could match. His larger than life personality will truly be missed by his family, his friends and colleagues, his employees, and numerous business associates. You were truly one of a kind! A funeral service to commemorate Johnnie's life will be held on Friday, December 17 at 1:00 p.m. in Thomson Funeral Home, 669 Broadway in Winnipeg. Interment will follow at Waverley Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers are Justin Umlah, Jarrett Miller, Derek Wood, Frank Capasso, John Deguildre and Len Martens. It is not what he has...which directly expresses the worth of a man, but what he is - H. F. Amiel THOMSON FUNERAL HOME 669 BROADWAY - 925-1120

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 16, 2004